Gap Junction Protein

Gap junction channels are essential in normal heart function and they assist in the mediated spread of electrical impulses that stimulate synchronized contraction (via an electrical syncytium) of cardiac tissues.

Gap junction (GJ) proteins play an important role in direct communication between cells of many tissue types. GJs are specialised intercellular membrane-spanning domains that allow the passage of small molecules including second messenger (e.g. c-AMP, inositol triphosphate) or ionic signals from one cell to another.
GJ proteins and their long evolutionary history have permitted adaptation of gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) with several important functions and multiple regulatory processes. Formation of GJIC is an essential mechanism in coordinating growth and development and tissue compartmentalization during embryonic development.